There was a brief, charged pause before Rita's voice came back, strained and defensive. "I don't know what you're talking about. You can't accuse me of things without proof. I've only ever wanted to work hard and pay Lyndon back for the help he gave me."

Was she really going to keep denying?

Tilda's eyes darkened, and she let out a cold, humorless laugh. "I'm not interested in playing this game, Rita," she hissed through clenched teeth, struggling to remain calm. "You'd better get your act together and drop whatever schemes you've got in mind for my husband.

If you make another move, I'll make sure you regret it. And don't contact Lyndon again. If you need to pay him back, send the money to me.

With that, Tilda ended the call and immediately blocked Rita's number.

Her movements were precise, practiced-completely in control.

Lyndon, who had been watching the entire exchange from his seat on the sofa, leaned back slightly, his eyes never leaving her. He could piece together what had happened from her conversation with Rita.

Still, he asked, his voice measured, “What's going on?"

Tilda set the phone down on the coffee table, her fingers brushing against the smooth surface as if to release the last bit of tension.

She turned to him, her gaze unwavering. "I replaced Rita. Are you going to blame me for that?"

Lyndon looked at Tilda and asked, “You had someone replace Rita's role as the singer for the TV drama? Who's replacing her?"

Tilda replied, "Have a guess."

Lyndon thought back to the previous evening when he'd seen her having dinner with Corrine.

"Your cousin?" he ventured.

“Pretty smart, aren't you?" Tilda said, sitting down beside him. Her sharp gaze studied his expression. "I removed your admirer from the project. Are you mad?"

Lyndon's eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

Tilda's fingers twitched slightly, betraying the storm of emotions inside her.

She had projected confidence just moments ago, but only she knew how uncertain she truly felt.

She wasn't sure how Lyndon felt about Rita.

He had insisted he didn't like her, yet Rita bore a striking resemblance to Rosanna. And Rosanna had been his true love.

Rita's appearance alone could make Lyndon feel sympathy for her.

Now, with Lyndon's silence hanging heavy in the air, doubt crept into Tilda's mind. Was he angry?

If he was...

“Are you feeling uneasy?" Lyndon suddenly blurted.